NJ bill to restrict cash payments for scrap

PITTSBURGH  New Jersey legislation that would restrict cash payments for scrap metal and create an online tracking system is headed to Gov. Chris Christies desk to be signed into law.

S.1773, which is intended to prevent metal theft, passed the state General Assembly this week after being approved by the Senate in May. It will take effect 180 days after being signed.

"This legislation makes it easier for scrap metal recycling facilities to identify sellers who are aboveboard and gives law enforcement officers more tools to catch the ones that arent," state Sen. Donald Norcross said.

Under the terms of the legislation, cash payments would be allowed only if the seller delivers a load in a motor vehicle and has a government-issued photo identification on file with the recycler. All other transactions would have to be paid with transferrable checks.

The legislation also calls for the creation of an electronic reporting system by the New Jersey State Police that will require recyclers to upload transactions. Law enforcement officers would use the system to try to solve metal theft cases.